Hand Tossed vs. Brooklyn Style: Pizza Showdown!
Pizza perfection is a quest many of us undertake, and the first step is often choosing the right crust. Two titans of the pizza world often vie for our attention: hand tossed and Brooklyn style. But what truly sets them apart, and which one will reign supreme in your pizza preferences?
This isn’t just a matter of taste; it’s a deep dive into dough, technique, and the overall pizza experience. We’ll explore the characteristics of each style, from the classic charm of hand tossed to the unique attributes of a Brooklyn style pie. Get ready to have your pizza knowledge expanded and your cravings intensified.
So, are you a fan of the traditional hand tossed, or do you lean towards the thin-crust, foldable delight of a Brooklyn style pizza? Let’s slice into the details and discover which pizza style deserves a spot on your next order. Prepare your taste buds for a delicious journey as we compare these two beloved pizza variations.
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | Hand Tossed | Brooklyn Style |
|---|---|---|
| Crust Thickness | Thicker | Thinner |
| Crust Texture | Chewy | Crispy |
| Diameter | Typically smaller | Typically larger |
| Cornicione (Edge) | Significant | Minimal |
| Sauce Coverage | More generous | Less generous |
| Cheese Coverage | More cheese | Less cheese |
| Toppings | Can handle more toppings | Best with fewer toppings |
| Folding | Easier to fold | More difficult to fold |
| Oil Content | Can have higher oil content | Typically less oily |
| Cooking Method | Cooked in various ovens | Often cooked in a deck oven |
| Shape | More irregular shape | More uniform shape |
| Overall Feel | Hearty and filling | Light and airy |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Crust Thickness
- Hand Tossed: Typically has a thicker crust, offering a chewier texture. This allows for a good base to hold more toppings, but can sometimes feel doughy.
- Brooklyn Style: Known for a thinner crust that is often crispy and crackly. It’s often stretched very thin, resulting in less doughy texture but can be prone to tearing.
- Winner: Tie
Crust Texture
- Hand Tossed: Offers a chewier and sometimes airier texture due to the thickness and the way the dough is handled. It can absorb sauces well.
- Brooklyn Style: Characterized by a crispier and crunchier texture, especially around the edges. This provides a satisfying bite.
- Winner: Brooklyn
Crust Diameter
- Hand Tossed: Typically has a smaller diameter, often around 10-14 inches, making it easier to handle and eat.
- Brooklyn Style: Can be quite large, sometimes 16 inches or more, often cut into very large slices that are meant to be folded.
- Winner: Tie
Topping Capacity
- Hand Tossed: Can handle a greater volume of toppings due to the thicker crust, allowing for more sauce, cheese, and ingredients without becoming soggy.
- Brooklyn Style: While the crust is thin, it can still hold a reasonable amount of toppings. However, it’s best to avoid overloading it to prevent it from collapsing.
- Winner: hand tossed
Shape & Appearance
- Hand Tossed: Generally has a more irregular shape, showcasing the hand-tossing process. The edges may have a puffy appearance.
- Brooklyn Style: Typically has a more uniform, round shape. It’s often stretched to the extreme, with a slightly charred appearance.
- Winner: Tie
Cornmeal Usage
- Hand Tossed: Cornmeal is less frequently used.
- Brooklyn Style: Often baked on a stone or screen with cornmeal to achieve a crispier crust.
- Winner: brooklyn style
Sauce Application
- Hand Tossed: Can handle a generous amount of sauce, which is well absorbed into the thicker crust.
- Brooklyn Style: The sauce is usually spread lightly to prevent the crust from becoming soggy.
- Winner: hand tossed
Overall Experience
- Hand Tossed: Offers a classic pizza experience with a focus on a substantial, satisfying bite. It’s often seen as a more traditional style.
- Brooklyn Style: Provides a thinner, crispier pizza with a focus on simplicity and a light, airy texture. This style is often folded for eating.
- Winner: Tie
Winner by Category:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Crust Thickness | Hand Tossed |
| Crust Texture | Brooklyn Style |
| Topping Capacity | Hand Tossed |
| Overall Feel | (Depends on preference) |
What They Have in Common:
- Base: Both start with a dough base, providing the foundation for the pizza.
- Sauce: Both feature a layer of tomato-based sauce, adding flavor and moisture.
- Cheese: Both are typically topped with mozzarella cheese, which melts and binds the ingredients.
- Toppings: Both styles allow for various toppings, from pepperoni and sausage to vegetables.
- Baking: Both are baked in an oven, resulting in a cooked crust and melted toppings.
- Origin: Both styles are American pizza variants.
Hand Tossed Vs Brooklyn Style Buying Guide
Crust Preference
Consider your preferred crust texture. Hand-tossed pizzas typically have a thicker, chewier crust with a more pronounced outer edge, perfect for those who enjoy a hearty bite. The crust is often airy and bubbly due to the hand-tossing process, creating pockets of air that contribute to its overall texture. Brooklyn-style pizzas, on the other hand, boast a thinner, crispier crust, often with a slight char from the oven. This style caters to those who prefer a lighter, more delicate base that doesn’t overwhelm the toppings. Think about your ideal crust experience: thick and chewy or thin and crispy?
Topping Compatibility
Think about your favorite toppings and how they’ll complement the crust. Hand-tossed pizzas, with their thicker crusts, can support a heavier load of toppings without becoming soggy. This makes them ideal for pizzas loaded with meats, vegetables, and extra cheese. Brooklyn-style pizzas, with their thinner crusts, are better suited for lighter toppings. They still work with a good amount, but you may want to avoid excessive moisture. Choosing the right style of pizza depends on whether you have a preference for heavy or light toppings.
Sauce Considerations
The type of sauce you prefer can influence your choice. Hand-tossed pizzas often pair well with a slightly sweeter, richer sauce that can complement the thicker crust. The sauce can be applied generously, as the crust provides a sturdy base. Brooklyn-style pizzas, with their thinner crusts, might benefit from a lighter, less saucy approach. This helps prevent the crust from becoming soggy. Consider your sauce preference and how it will interact with the crust and toppings when making your decision.
Portion Size and Sharing
Consider how many people you are feeding. Hand-tossed pizzas, due to their thicker crusts, often offer a more substantial portion per slice, making them a good option for those with larger appetites or when sharing with a smaller group. Brooklyn-style pizzas, with their thinner crusts, might require more slices per person to feel satisfied. This makes them suitable for sharing among a larger gathering or for those who prefer a lighter meal. Think about how many people you plan to feed.
Flavor Profile
Think about the overall flavor profile you are after. Hand-tossed pizzas typically offer a more classic, familiar flavor profile, with the emphasis on the crust, sauce, and toppings working in harmony. The thicker crust provides a satisfying base for the other flavors to build upon. Brooklyn-style pizzas often boast a more refined flavor profile, with the thinner crust allowing the toppings to shine. The char on the crust can also contribute a slightly smoky flavor. Consider if you are going for classic or refined.
Dietary Restrictions
Consider your dietary needs. While both styles can be adapted, hand-tossed pizzas might offer more flexibility for customization. The thicker crust may be easier to adapt for gluten-free options. Brooklyn-style pizzas, with their thinner crusts, might have fewer options for certain dietary restrictions due to the inherent nature of the crust. Review the ingredient list, and if you have any dietary restrictions, be sure to ask the pizzeria about adapting to your needs.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy hand tossed If…
- You prefer a chewier, thicker crust.
- You enjoy a pizza with a generous amount of toppings.
- You want a pizza that is hearty and filling.
- You like a pizza that is easy to fold.
Buy brooklyn style If…
- You prefer a thinner, crispier crust.
- You enjoy a pizza with fewer toppings to highlight the crust.
- You want a lighter, airier pizza experience.
- You like a pizza that has a larger diameter.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between hand-tossed and Brooklyn-style pizza?
The primary difference lies in the crust. Hand-tossed pizzas have a thicker, chewier crust made by hand, while Brooklyn-style pizzas have a thinner, crispier crust. This affects the overall texture and the amount of toppings the pizza can support. Brooklyn style generally has less dough.
Which style is better for heavier toppings?
Hand-tossed pizzas are generally better for heavier toppings. Their thicker crust provides a sturdy base that can support a greater amount of cheese, meats, and vegetables without becoming soggy. The thicker crust helps keep the pizza from collapsing under its own weight, offering a satisfying bite.
How does the cooking process affect the crust?
The cooking process contributes to the crust differences. Hand-tossed pizzas often bake longer, allowing the crust to fully cook and develop a chewy texture. Brooklyn-style pizzas are often cooked at higher temperatures for a shorter time, resulting in a crispier crust with a slight char. The oven’s heat is key.
Are Brooklyn-style pizzas always thin?
Yes, Brooklyn-style pizzas are characterized by their thin crust. While the thickness can vary slightly, the defining feature is its thinness compared to hand-tossed pizzas. This thinness allows for a crispier texture and a lighter overall feel. Brooklyn style is known for being thin.
Which pizza style is more traditional?
Both styles have a long history, but hand-tossed pizza represents a more classic and widely recognized style. It’s often associated with traditional pizzerias and family-style dining. Brooklyn-style pizza, while also traditional, has a more regional association, originating in New York.
Can I make both styles at home?
Yes, both styles can be made at home. Hand-tossed pizzas require practice to master the hand-tossing technique. Brooklyn-style pizzas are often easier to replicate at home, using a rolling pin to achieve the desired thinness. There are many recipes online.
What toppings work best on each style?
Hand-tossed pizzas accommodate a wide variety of toppings, including meats, vegetables, and extra cheese. Brooklyn-style pizzas are better suited for lighter toppings, like fresh mozzarella, basil, and a drizzle of olive oil, to prevent the crust from becoming soggy. Consider the weight of your toppings.
Final Verdict
Both hand-tossed and Brooklyn-style pizzas offer delicious experiences, each with its unique appeal. Hand-tossed pizzas provide a classic, hearty experience, while Brooklyn-style offers a lighter, crispier alternative. The best choice depends on your personal preference for crust texture, topping preferences, and desired flavor profile. Each style is a great option for any pizza lover.
Winner: Hand Tossed